John Ball Zoo launches new assembly program to engage students in wildlife conservation

 John Ball Zoo is bringing the excitement and wonder of wildlife to schools and workplaces by hosting fun, interactive events featuring animals, activities and educational experiences. 

 

The Zoo’s education team is now booking assembly programs that allow local students to learn about the conservation of wildlife and wild places through an engaging hands-on experience. A new offering from the education department, these programs are booking now and are ideal for groups of 50-200 attendees.  

 

“John Ball Zoo is excited to offer this opportunity for our community to be engaged in wildlife conservation through fun, meaningful experiences,” said Ben Sneller, education manager of school and youth programs for the Zoo. “These interactive programs are great for curious students who take away a sense of responsibility when it comes to protecting wildlife and wild places.” 

 

Sneller and his team have presented at eight schools and one company so far, and each assembly has offered a range of experiences for attendees who will observe the Zoo’s ambassador animals and their natural behaviors. For example, attendees may hear an African grey parrot vocalize or a coati climbing. 

 

Educators have another opportunity to bring the Zoo to their school during March, which is Reading Month. During this program, a Zoo educator will read a selected book to a classroom of up to 30 students and share one of the Zoo’s ambassador animals with the students. This program can also be booked online. 

 

For those looking for a more immersive experience, John Ball Zoo is encouraging educators to book visits to the Zoo with their students. The Zoo offers free admission to K-12 Kent County school groups thanks to funding from the 2016 John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Public Museum Millage. Thousands of groups take advantage of free admission each year. For schools outside of Kent County, the Zoo offers discounted rates.  

 

School groups can take self-guided tours through the Zoo or take part in programming activities like wild encounters, exhibit design and more. Registration is available on the Zoo’s website

 

“John Ball Zoo’s hands-on educational experiences can’t be found in books, on TV or online,” Sneller said. “With our team, we are able to tailor each program to a teacher’s curriculum that will engage, educate and inspire our next generation of wildlife enthusiasts.”